A British investor, Hans Armstrong, is preparing to file a US$10 million lawsuit against Liberia’s Ministry of Justice, alleging harassment, abuse of legal process, and failure to protect his property rights after heavy-duty mining equipment valued at US$2.5 million was allegedly scrapped and sold in Bomi County.
According to a draft complaint, Armstrong’s legal team contends that the Ministry conducted what it describes as an “unsubstantiated and procedurally improper” investigation intended to shield Bomi County Superintendent Miatta Dorley and Administrative Officer Alphonso Sherman from potential criminal liability over the disputed equipment.
According to the documents, the lawsuit is expected to accuse Assistant Minister for Litigation Cllr. Jerry D.K. Garlawolu and Bomi County Attorney Cllr. Pato Jarba of failing to uphold Armstrong’s legally recognized ownership of the machinery and of contributing to what the investor calls a campaign of criminal harassment and alleged Failure to Protect Court-Recognized Property
The dispute stems from a conference held at the Ministry of Justice on November 7, 2025, where Armstrong’s lawyers claim Superintendent Dorley declared that the machinery belonged to the Liberian government and that she had taken possession of it on the government’s behalf.
According to the complaint, Assistant Minister Garlawolu did not challenge the statement despite previously representing Armstrong’s interests during proceedings before Criminal Court “C.” However, the legal team argues that his silence amounted to tacit approval of Dorley’s claim.
The complaint also alleges that County Attorney Jarba denied knowledge of Sherman’s earlier arrest during the meeting, despite reportedly communicating with Armstrong several times about the matter. Armstrong’s lawyers further claim Jarba had opportunities to prevent the machinery from being scrapped and sold.
The legal team argues that the Ministry’s actions caused significant financial losses, reputational damage, disruption of Armstrong’s investment activities, and emotional distress. As a result, the lawsuit seeks US$10 million in punitive, special, and general damages.
Further, court records cited in the complaint indicate that on August 12, 2022, Criminal Court “C” ruled that Armstrong was the lawful owner of the mining equipment located in Sackie Township, Bomi County, adding that the machinery was valued at approximately US$2.5 million.
A subsequent Bill of Information filed by residents challenging that judgment was dismissed on June 23, 2023, effectively reaffirming Armstrong’s ownership. Despite those rulings, Armstrong’s lawyers say the equipment was later targeted for scrapping.
On April 7, 2025, the Clerk of Criminal Court “C” reportedly instructed Superintendent Dorley to lift a stay order that had prevented Armstrong from removing the machinery. However, two days later, Administrative Officer Sherman allegedly claimed in a letter that the stay order had originated from Judge Ciapha Carey of the 11th Judicial Circuit Court rather than from the Superintendent’s office.
Armstrong’s legal team argues that Sherman’s statement contradicts two earlier letters he authored, including one ordering individuals to stop cutting the equipment and another informing Judge Carey that people were dismantling the machinery while a court order remained in effect. However, the complaint further alleges that Sherman later advertised the equipment for sale through the National Scrap Dealers Association of Liberia despite lacking any ownership documents.
Following the incident, the Liberia National Police reportedly charged Sherman and forwarded the case to the Tubmanburg City Court. Armstrong’s lawyers also claim Sherman visited the investor’s residence to discuss the matter and was provided court records confirming Armstrong’s ownership, along with US$100, which Armstrong says was given as a gesture of appreciation.
Meanwhile, during the Justice Ministry Conferences on October 25, 2025, Superintendent Dorley reportedly filed a complaint with Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, accusing Armstrong of repeatedly harassing residents of Bomi County.
The Ministry subsequently invited Armstrong to conferences on November 15 and December 11, 2025, describing the meetings as efforts to resolve the dispute amicably and avoid litigation. Armstrong’s legal team, however, argues that the Ministry’s letters were accusatory in tone and formed part of an intimidation campaign against their client.
